Do you have some goals you’ve hope to accomplish? What’s holding you back or blocking your progress?

One thing that held me back for years was lack of clarity. I couldn’t bring into reality my biggest dreams because they were too vague. The first time I hit a bump or it doesn’t go as hoped, I wanted to quit. In the back of my mind, I’d think successful people have it easier than me. I made excuses about not having time, or not knowing where to start or who to ask. I thought everyone else thought up great ideas and they always worked out as planned. I thought everyone was connected to all the movers and shakers that made things happen for them.

Also fear of what people would say or think held me back. What if I doesn’t work out? What if I fail or make a fool of myself? What if we I talk about my dreams or idea, and someone thinks it’s stupid? Some people are quick to fire upon even the best ideas, not just mine. They don’t have the motivation themselves and don’t want to be one upped, so they shoot down everyone else’s ideas. For a while, I didn’t believe in it enough to pursue it so I didn’t make the effort and then felt bummed out that my life was so dull.

At first it was difficult to believe that I had what it takes to accomplish any goal. But, I caught myself imagining, what it would be like if I succeeded? I get the art gig. I make the movie. I write the book. What would it feel like to work as an artist? Imagine see people sitting before a screen watching the movie you shot. Or holding your first novel in your hands? To see your name on the cover?

Imagine it. Imagine the next step. You can do it. Whatever that spark is  languishing in the shadows of your mind, maybe it’s time to pull out all the stops and see what happens.

I picture new ideas like the kites of my youth. I imagine running outside and running to see how high the kite will fly, while I put it together, tie the tail on and make sure to secure the string.  My dad took me to a park with a very high, treeless hill and the wind  took my kite higher and higher until I was at the end of my string!

I couldn’t wait to fly a kite again after that. One day I took it to my aunt’s house I ran all over her yard trying to work up enough wind to take my kite up. Her yard was peppered with trees and utility lines, a less than ideal environment. I wanted to go back to that high hill, with even more string, and see how high that kite would fly.

Dream about what it would be like to accomplish that goal. There’s a reason why it’s in your heart. It may not yet be the perfect environment, but at least put the kite together. And start searching for your high hill.